Dole ‘denies’ Veco union leader’s motion
By Elias O. Baquero
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
THE Visayan Electric Company Inc. (Veco) management yesterday said it is happy the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) denied the motion of union president Cas-mero Mahilum to be reinstated in the power utility’s payroll.
Dole Secretary Rosa-linda Baldoz viewed it as a delaying tactic, so Mahilum could continue to get paid even though he was not working, said the press release e-mailed by Ethel Natera, Veco corporate communication department manager.
Lack of merit
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“Wherefore, premises considered, and due to special circumstances obtained in this case, the partial motion for reconsideration is hereby denied for lack of merit,” read Baldoz’s order.
In order to expedite the resolution of the labor dispute, Dole will not entertain any motions of a similar nature.
Natera said that during the last collective bargaining agreement negotiations between Veco management and the Visayan Electric Company Employees Union (VECEU),
one of Mahilum’s demands was to work full-time as a union president.
“
He would thus be paid as an employee, but not actually working for the company,” read the Veco press statement.
“With the decision, the company is hoping for the legal process to proceed smoothly and is hopeful for the resolution of the pending case before the National Labor Relations Commission at the soonest possible time,” the press statement said.
When asked to comment, Mahilum said he has yet to receive a copy of Baldoz’s decision.
“If it’s true, I already expected it. I don’t think Dole will ever side with the workers,” he said in a text message.
Intact
The Associated Labor Unions, of which VECEU is affiliated, announced there are no changes in the union’s structure.
“VECEU remains intact. My illegal dismissal (by Veco) did not weaken the union,” Mahilum said.
Mahilum was fired last Oct. 28 for loss of trust and confidence.
On Nov. 19, Mahilum filed the instant motion for partial reconsideration, assailing his payroll reinstatement. He contended that the order, dated Nov. 12, was not fair since it did not maintain the status quo of his employment since he was only reinstated in the company payroll. What should have been maintained was the status quo prior to his dismissal, so he should be reinstated to his former position.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on March 30, 2011.
Mao nay dili abuso sa union? magpa bayad nga wla ga trabaho sa companya? DOLE dili mag side with workers? how is being paid as a regular employee but not actually working for the company being fair to the company?